LETTUCE. 
61 
loosen the ground about the plants, to promote their free, vigorous growth. 
Some plant in hollow drills, and earth up, as in celery culture, which pro¬ 
duces very large stems.” 
To save seed. —“Transplant some best, full plants, early in the spring, in a 
sunny situation, or in a row near a south fence. They will shoot in sum¬ 
mer, in single, tall seed-stalks. Support them, as necessary, with stakes; 
and they will produce ripe seed in September. Cut the ripe heads with 
part of the stalk to each; tie two or three together, and hang up under 
cover, to dry and harden the seed thoroughly, when it may be rubbed out, 
cleaned, and put by for future service.”— Abercrombie. 
Use —“The whole plant is used in soups and stews, but the blanched 
stem is most esteemed. Leeks formerly constituted an ingredient in the 
dish called porridge , which some suppose to be derived from the Latin por - 
rumT — Loudon. 
“The leaves of this plant possess a flavor similar to that of onions, 
affording a constant dish at the table of the Egyptians, who chop them up 
small, and eat them with their meat. They are also in great esteem among 
the Welsh; and their general utility, as a wholesome pot-herb, renders them 
a valuable culinary spice. 7 ’— Willich. 
LETTUCE. 
Lactuca Sativa. — Laitue , Fr.— Gartensalat , Ger. 
Lettuce is a hardy annual plant, introduced or cultivated in England in 
1562, but from what quarter is not known. 
Varieties. —These are very numerous; and, from their names, many of 
them appear to have come originally from the Greek Islands, and the coast 
of the Levant. Those mentioned in Mr. Russell’s Catalogue are— 
Early curled Silesia, 
Large green-head, or cabbage, 
Royal cape (superior quality), 
India Lettuce (fine), 
Imperial cabbage, 
Hardy green, 
Brown Dutch cabbage, 
Grand admiral (large fine cabbage), 
Tennis-ball, or rose, 
Magnum bonum Cos, 
Brighton Cos, 
Ice Cos, 
White Cos, or loaf, 
Green Cos. 
Estimate of sorts. —The cabbage lettuces are round-leaved, growing in a 
compact, full head, of squat form, close to the ground. All the Cos lettuces, 
in their general growth, are more or less upright, of an oblong shape. Both 
kinds have white, close, firm heads, when in perfection; the varieties reach 
maturity from June till September. Meanwhile, they are occasionally 
